Patek Philippe, Tourbillon Chronomètre, 2010, 5101R-001, Pink Gold

EUR 140,000

With an impressive, angular, and lavishly designed rectangular shape, the reference 5101 stands out not only with its case architecture, but in its remarkable mechanical prowess. Launched in 2003, it is the first timepiece that combines two complications which are very difficult to accommodate in the confined space of a rectangular movement: two tandem mainspring barrels with 240 hours of energy storage capacity and a tourbillon precision regulator composed of 72 individual parts. Later that year, the 5101 won the “Aiguille d’Or”, or Golden Hand, prize at the Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Genève — the Grand Prix’s highest honor. The unusual case with triple-stepped sides and a long, curved rectangular silhouette, owes direct homage to the Art Deco era of design. Understated elegance has always been a hallmark of Patek Philippe but the tourbillon cage is in fact concealed for a very practical reason: the oil used to lubricate the mechanism is sensitive to ultraviolet rays and will decompose when exposed to daylight, thus losing its beneficial tribological properties. The two-tone dial of this particular reference 5101 is remarkably clean and attractive, with two sub dials, one indicating the power reserve, the other the subsidiary seconds with the word “Tourbillon” and the movement number discreetly printed within. Offered here in exceptional condition with also its certificate of origin, the present 5101R is a rare opportunity to obtain one of Patek Philippe’s modern masterpieces.